February 2026 Minutes
Minutes of the full Council Meeting held on Wednesday 25th February, 2026 at 6:00pm in Franklin Hall, Spilsby. These are notes of the meeting until approved by the Council as a true and accurate record.
Present:
Cllrs L Day (Mayor), L Marsh (Deputy Mayor), A Day, P Gale, M Gibson, C Hewlett, E Marsh (Town and District Councillor), T Robson, and W Rose; Town Clerk - J Sargent and Deputy Town Clerk - S Thomas.
Public Session
There were two members of the public in attendance. No questions were put to the Council.
To receive a report from Lincolnshire County Councillor M Hume.
Cllr Hume was not in attendance; no written report provided.
To receive a report from East Lindsey District Councillor E Marsh.
No report provided.
With no further comments, it was resolved unanimously to move into formal session.
139. Welcome
Cllr L Day welcomed all present, reminding Councillors about emergency exits and safety protocols, to turn phones off and appropriate conduct.
140. Apologies
It was resolved unanimously to accept apologies from Cllr D Mangion (holiday) and T Taylor (holiday).
141. Declarations of Interest
None received.
142. To approve as a correct record the minutes of the full Council Meeting held on
Wednesday 28th January, 2026.
With no matters arising, it was resolved unanimously to accept the minutes for January as a true and accurate record of the meeting.
143. To approve the accounts for January.
With no matters arising, it was resolved unanimously to accept the accounts for consideration. The Accounts Report is included as an attachment to these minutes.
144. To receive a bank reconciliation for January.
The Clerk provided the bank reconciliation report to keep Councillors up to date with the Town Council’s financial status, for information purposes only. The Bank Reconciliation Report is included as an attachment to these minutes.
145. To receive brief reports from the Town Mayor, Town Council’s working groups, representatives on outside bodies and the Town Clerk.
Mayor’s Report
Cllr L Day will be representing the Town Council at upcoming events including the Mablethorpe’s Civic Sunday and Lincolnshire County Council’s Service of Dedication in Market Rasen.
Recreation Ground
Cllr E Marsh reported that the floodlights are now working, and the facility is well used, although additional groups are welcome. ELDC have been approached for financial support for the next phase of the development; when Cllr E Marsh raised this with ELDC’s Executive, they advised the Sessions House were receiving funding for its renovation. Cllr E Marsh reasoned that other projects in Spilsby also deserved support and will continue to campaign for more support. Funding from Gleesons development on Halton Road under the S106 agreement will only become available to the Recreation Ground once properties have become occupied, which is not expected to be for at least two years.
Cllr E Marsh expressed concern over funding for projects in East Lindsey might not be available after Local Government re-organisation in 2027.
Cllr L Marsh queried whether any funding from the Viking Link and other underground cable projects were available to Spilsby. Cllr E Marsh advised that some of that money is available through the ELIF grant to the whole district.
Grammar School Foundation
Cllr Gibson reported that the Foundation had received 40 Student grant applications, with 4 in tertiary education receiving £825.00, one studying for an apprenticeship receiving £300.00 and the remaining applicants receiving £600.00. Cllr Gibson advised at the next meeting, the Foundation will be considering amending the eligibility criteria due to the number of applicants and discussing moving the Investment fund due to a poor return.
Cllr Robson thanked the Grammar School Foundation for their generous donation to Halton Holegate Primary School. The grant has gone towards sensory equipment for neurodivergent students.
Poorlands
Cllr Robson reported that the next payout will take place in June 2026.
Twinning
Cllr L Marsh reported that the Bluestones Concert fund raiser was a success although the attendance was lower than previous years. The Twinning Committee are looking at re-organising the schedule of fundraising events in 2027 at the AGM, which is being held on Wednesday 15th April at the Nelson Butt. The annual Race Night is taking place on the Saturday 21st March 2026 in Partney Village Hall with tickets available at E J Tong & Sons. The Committee are looking at sharing a stand with the Town Council at four Super Saturday events, dates yet to be decided.
Community Speedwatch
Cllr Hewlett is now trained to carry out Speedwatch sessions; the next session is planned for Saturday 28th February 2026 on Boston Road.
Good Neighbourhood Scheme
Cllr Gibson reported that the ‘Soup and Roll’ event was a great success with 26 people attending raising £98.10. The local Masons lodge donated £500.00, which could go towards the costs of a day-trip for the group. The group’s AGM is on Friday 24th April 2026, followed by an afternoon tea.
Spilsby Events Team
Cllr E Marsh reported that the Easter Bingo fund raiser event is taking place on Monday 6th April 2026 in Franklin Hall. Local businesses have donated Easter Eggs as prizes; Cllr L Day offered to donate a £20.00 worth of Easter Eggs from the Mayor’s allocation. The Clerk to arrange.
Town Clerk’s Report
The Town Clerk circulated a reported via email prior to the meeting and requested confirmation to send an email to the developers of the new estate about flooding concerns, once the application has been approved the ELDC.
Cllr Gibson expressed his disappointment at LCC’s refusal to install a handrail alongside Franklin Hall to assist people walking up the footpath, suggesting that their response is ableist and ageist. The Town Clerk suggested contacting the Franklin Hall Trustees to see if they would be willing to attach a handrail to the building. Cllr Gibson to raise with Trustees at the next meeting.
146. To receive notification of any planning permissions, refusals, withdrawals, or amendments.
a. Application reference 02865/25/FUL | Planning Permission - Extension to the existing car park at Tong Engineering Ltd, Vale Road - Approved.
b. Application reference 03799/25/FUL | Planning Permission - Extension and alterations to existing dwelling at 38 Woodlands Avenue, Spilsby - Approved.
c. Application reference 03570/25/LBA | Planning Permission - Internal and external alterations at Spilsby Theatre, Church Street - Approved.
d. Application reference 03809/25/LBA | Planning Permission - Internal and external alterations at Spilsby Theatre, Church Street - Approved.
e. Planning Application Consultation 00080/26/FUL | Planning Permission - Siting of a single storey Portakabin at The Surgery, Simpson Street.
The planning application notification was circulated with the Planning Committee and responses, where required, were submitted to ELDC, in line with the Town Council’s Scheme of Delegation. The Town Council’s feedback can be viewed on ELDC’s planning portal or a copy can be provided by the Town Clerk.
147. To consider the disposal of War Bonds.
The Town Clerk reported that a copy of the War Bonds from 1929 with a purchase value of £50.00 had been in the archive and contacted British Government Stocks (Gilts) Computershare Investor Services to ascertain if it had any value. A representative confirmed that no stocks were held on the Government register for Spilsby Town Council or Spilsby Rural District Council and therefore, could be disposed of. The Clerk requested confirmation the Bond Certificate could be disposed of. A local resident requested a copy for their own collection. It was resolved unanimously to provide a copy to the resident and dispose of any other copies.
148. To consider supporting pavement parking restrictions in Lincolnshire.
The Clerk advised pavement parking restrictions had been debated in Parliament after the publication of consultation. The Government intends to delegate powers to local authorities to address pavement parking, with legislation to follow. The Clerk asked the Council to support restrictions and to write to LCC for a full ban on pavement parking.
Pavement parking is a problem for blind and partially-sighted people, parents with pushchairs and young children, wheelchair users and others who use mobility aids. When vehicles are parked on the pavement, it can force pedestrians into the road which is unsafe; priority should be given to pedestrians and their safety. A pavement parking ban will ensure the roads are for vehicles and the pavements are for pedestrians.
Cllr Rose expressed concern that if the Town Council supports a full ban, it may cause issues with large vehicles and emergency vehicles not being able to get through on narrow roads when vehicles are not partially parking on the pavement.
It was resolved by majority to support a full ban on pavement parking in Lincolnshire and that LCC provide powers to parking enforcement teams to issue fines. The Clerk to write to LCC.
149. To consider a combined inspection rota and draft inspection checklist for:
a. Play Area, Ancaster Avenue.
b. Churchyard, St. James.
The Clerk provided draft inspection checklists for consideration and suggested combining both inspections on to one rota. The Town Clerk advised that Councillors are not expected to complete the checklist during every visit, but to advise the Clerks of any issues, who will then complete the checklist and keep on file as evidence for the insurance.
Cllr Robson suggested amending the checklist to ‘Appears to be in good order…’ It was resolved unanimously to combine the Church Wall and Play Area inspections, using the amended Inspection Checklist.
150. To confirm having a Town Council stall at the Spilsby Show on Sunday 12th July 2026.
Cllr E Marsh suggested setting up a rota for the day, to be agreed closer to the show date. It was resolved unanimously to have a Town Council stall at the Spilsby Show.
151. To consider future Christmas lights displays - lights, equipment and infrastructure to support other displays throughout the year.
The Deputy Town Clerk has sourced replacement-coloured lamps for the cross-street lights a new cross-street display that would go across The Terrace, together with lights for wrapping the large tree in the Churchyard as well as trees in the Buttercross Car Park. The Town Clerk confirmed funds are still available in the budget for the current year.
Cllr E Marsh queried whether it was possible to have lights attached to the streetlights and what LCC were charging for the survey. The Deputy Town Clerk explained that there is an initial charge of £200 then £100 per lamppost. The Town Clerk advised the survey and associated costs would be cheaper without an electrical connection. The Town Clerk suggested having a streetlight attachment that could be used to support displays for other events such as Valentines Day, Easter and to support the Super Saturday events, so the attachments are used throughout the year. It is hoped that a grant application would have a better chance of securing funding for year-round use rather than solely for a Christmas lights display.
It was resolved unanimously to purchase additional lights, using funds available in the budget for the current year.
152. To consider meeting dates for 2026-27.
The Clerk provided a list of provisional meeting dates for 2026-27. It was resolved unanimously to accept the dates provide for future meetings.
153. To consider Policies for review:
a. Communications Policy.
b. Marking the Death of a Senior National Figure Protocol Policy.
c. Press & Media Policy.
d. Social Media & Electronic Communications Policy.
e. Training & Development Policy.
Policies were circulated with Councillors prior to the meeting in line with the Policy Review Procedure. With no further comments, it was resolved unanimously to adopt the policies.
154. To receive an update on Spilsby Recognition Awards 2026.
Cllr L Marsh reported a date is yet to be confirmed, but could be on the morning of Sunday 31st May 2026. Cllr L Marsh is also going to approach more local businesses for additional sponsorship. Some of the current sponsors have suggested new categories which will be considered. The MS form and QR code are ready; J & A International have agreed to provide banners.
155. To consider a quote for new pipe work and tap at the Spilsby Cemetery, Boston Road.
The Clerk advised a new quote from Ajet Drainage Services had not been received and will contact other contractors. It was resolved unanimously to defer to the next meeting.
Cllr E Marsh suggested installing water butts at the Cemetery, using the rainwater from the businesses whose buildings directly border onto the Cemetery. Cllr E Marsh asked the Clerk to contact the businesses to see if they were willing to have their rainwater diverted to a water butt in the Cemetery and if so, to investigate the costs for installation.
156. To consider installing a new general waste bin on the grass between Tasman Road and Shamfields Road.
Cllr Gibson suggested the Council request a new bin at this location from ELDC after requests from residents. Cllr Robson explained that a local business donated a large bin to Halton Holegate Parish Council but is currently in storage as they haven’t been able to find a suitable location for it.
The Clerk advised it would be unlikely that ELDC would install a new bin due to the costs, but would add a bin to the emptying schedule if it was provided by the Town Council.
It was resolved unanimously for Cllr Robson to contact Halton Holegate Parish Council about donating the bin to Spilsby Town Council.
157. To resolve to exclude the public and the media to discuss confidential matters in accordance with The Public Bodies (Admission to Meetings) Act 1960.
It was resolved unanimously to exclude members of the Public and Media to allow the Town Council to discuss confidential matters.
158. To consider Staffing matters.
No updates were available. It was resolved unanimously to defer to the next meeting.
With no further comments, Cllr L Day closed the meeting at 6:45pm.